The initiative is in response to the startling fact that drug misuse has been the greatest cause of death among young Glaswegians for a decade.

BBC Scotland's David Henderson reports on the launch

It is also understood that intravenous drug addicts in the city spend around £160m each year to feed their habit.

The new multi-agency approach aims to cut the level of drug misuse and to minimise drug-related harm.

Greater Glasgow Drug Action Team's blueprint will include programmes designed to reduce drug misuse, especially among vulnerable groups.

The Scottish Executive is backing the initiative

Addicts will get greater help to break their habit and rebuild their lives.

Dr Lawrence Gruer of the action team said: "We have to recognise that drugs are very much part and parcel of society.

"There is no quick fix. We have to tackle it in a comprehensive way."

The Scottish Parliament's Deputy Justice Minister, Angus MacKay, has welcomed the co-ordinated approach of this latest anti-drugs initiative.

Dr Gruer: "We have to tackle it in a comprehensive way"

He says it will be given further government backing in the autumn when proposals for a new drug enforcement agency aimed against the dealers will be made public.

"Tackling drugs is about co-ordinated, concerted and sustained action across all areas and I am pleased to see that this approach continues to be at the centre of greater Glasgow DAT's work," said Mr MacKay.

"The Scottish Executive is tackling the problems in the same way. Justice, education, health and communities ministers are working together to discuss drugs action and they have met for the first time.

"We are willing to help and have increased health board funding for such services by £2m a year.

"The new services outlined show how that funding can be put to maximum effect with support from local agencies."